There Goes The Neighborhood

There Goes The Neighborhood is an American reality television series that initially aired on CBS from August 9, 2009, to September 27, 2009. Produced by Mike Fleiss, Jay Bienstock, and Matt Lutz, the show presents an entirely new perspective on reality competitions, with a setup that bears a resemblance to social experiment reality TV shows, while integrating elements of strategy, competition, and camaraderie.

The premise of There Goes The Neighborhood is unique and attention-grabbing. The show revolves around eight suburban Atlanta, Georgia families, who have been sealed off from the outer world inside a large 20-foot, classic suburban neighborhood enclosed with a massive white wall, without access to the internet, television, or cell phones. With the only way to communicate with the outside world being a single landline telephone for emergencies, the series tests how well these families can re-acclimate to simpler times, building social bonds and harmony with their neighbors while undergoing a litany of challenges.

The show is essentially a fusion of a reality contest and social experiment rolled into one. Each week brings a new round of contests where the families face off against each other. The families compete in a variety of trials that test their strength, mental resolve, teamwork, and overall adaptability to the unusual environment they have found themselves in. As they struggle to complete the tasks, they also get the chance to learn more about their community and the people who live in it.

Other than physical trials and tests, there is also a strategic element woven throughout the show. Key decisions and tactical alliances can make the difference between staying or leaving the neighborhood. What sets the show apart is the voting system. The winning families are given the luxury to choose the family they wish to evict from the neighborhood, putting the idea of community and relationships to the test.

Meanwhile, without the distractions of modern technology, the families are faced with the unique challenge of entertaining themselves and keeping abreast of the rest of the world. It's an interesting watch as the show explores the interactions between the neighbors, and how friendships and rivalries develop when old-school modes of communication and man-made barriers foster togetherness and division.

When it comes to the cast, the families are quite diverse, creating an interesting mix of personalities. The show incorporates families from different economic backgrounds, including single parents and double income households, which reflect the traditional American melting pot, adding depth and range to the show's format.

It's not just a story about survival or winning a contest but also about how these families deal with each other when placed under such circumstances. The portrayal of both harmony and discord among participants makes the series emotionally compelling. For viewers, it provides a snapshot of how we're both bonded and separated by our shared living spaces.

The ultimate prize of There Goes The Neighborhood is a hefty sum of $250,000 and the distinction of being the friendliest family in America. As they strive for these honors, the families confront their understandings of cooperation, negotiations, and relationships, turning a walled neighborhood into a fascinating petri dish for human behavior for both the participants and the viewers.

There Goes The Neighborhood invites viewers to stroll into a unique and replicable model of a neighborly existence, knitted together by the threads of competition and cooperation. It's an intriguing glimpse into how our American ancestors lived before our digital age, making it an appealing choice for fans of reality TV, sociology, and those intrigued by the dynamics of human relationships. The show offers its viewers the unique voyeuristic experience of seeing their fellow citizens navigate the intricacies of overcoming challenges, strengthening relationships, and even the scheming required to survive the game, all while locked in their own neighborhood.